10+ Best Must Read Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your nine-year-old? Finding just the right book can be a game-changer, especially at such a pivotal age. Whether your young reader is a budding bookworm or just starting to dive into their reading journey, our list of must-read books for 9-year-olds is here to help. From captivating adventures to heartwarming tales, we've gathered the best picks to keep them hooked. Keep reading to discover our top choices that promise to entertain and inspire!

Fun Must Read Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte uses her web to write messages praising Wilbur, hoping to save his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of death in a gentle manner that's accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are beginning to explore deeper themes in literature.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young orphan girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastical story filled with humor and whimsy, perfect for sparking imagination and encouraging a love of reading.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy magical adventures and stories about unlikely friendships.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of middle school. Each page is filled with Greg's doodles and thoughts about his day-to-day adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its relatable humor and unique format make it incredibly engaging for young readers, especially those who might be reluctant to pick up a book.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love to laugh and those who might see themselves in the awkward situations of growing up.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude and distant parents. At school, she meets a kind teacher and uses her telekinetic powers to overcome challenges, including a tyrannical principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it’s a testament to the resilience of children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated and those who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods like him. He sets out on a quest across modern-day America to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling mix of Greek mythology and modern adventure that's both educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and mythology, and kids who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed stories.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Harry Potter learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his history and his place in the magical world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical universe of wonder and adventure, fostering imagination and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of magic and adventure, and anyone new to the fantasy genre.

Educational Must Read Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt and inspiring story that promotes acceptance and understanding of differences.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are learning about kindness and the importance of accepting others.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. His perspective changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches compassion towards animals and encourages thinking about the impact of human activities on wildlife.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Fiction, School Story
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Nick Allen knows how to make school more interesting. When he decides to invent a new word, "frindle," it sets off a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, understanding of language and communication
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and inventive story that celebrates creativity and shows the power of words and ideas.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and any child who enjoys clever and playful stories.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his quest for happiness and his journey to save the princess.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral lessons, bravery, compassion
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends classic fairy tale elements with unique characters and heartfelt lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from his owner and embarks on a journey that teaches him about love and loss.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, resilience, understanding of love and loss
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully told story that explores deep and complex emotions in a way that's accessible to children.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotional depth and beautiful storytelling.

Challenging Must Read Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth one afternoon and drives through it in his toy car. The world beyond the tollbooth is full of fantastical adventures that challenge his perception of the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is filled with puns, wordplay, and complex ideas that require a higher level of reading comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to see the world in new ways and appreciate the wonder of learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and word games, and those looking for a story that challenges their imagination and intellect.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as good versus evil and the power of love, and introduces concepts of physics and philosophy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also teaches important life lessons about courage, the importance of family, and the struggle between light and darkness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who enjoy stories that mix action with deeper philosophical questions.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour and spoiled girl, is transformed when she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and decides to restore it. The garden's magic helps her heal emotionally and brings joy to others around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and themes of loss, loneliness, and healing are profound and may require guidance for younger readers to fully appreciate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the transformative power of nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional stories and those interested in themes of personal growth and redemption.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid, a precocious girl, decides to run away from home with her younger brother Jamie. They hide in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where they become involved in a mystery involving a statue possibly sculpted by Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents a complex plot with themes of independence, self-discovery, and the pursuit of truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the thrill of living independently and solving a mystery, encouraging curiosity and determination.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and adventurers, and any reader who dreams of a grand urban escapade.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. The story is as much a philosophical reflection as it is a children's book, exploring themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is layered with metaphorical language and philosophical insights that challenge readers to think deeply about life and human connections.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless wisdom through the simple yet profound observations of the little prince.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate deep thoughts and philosophical exploration, wrapped in a whimsical tale.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop a plot that could have global consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex puzzles, codes, and logical riddles that the characters (and readers) must solve to advance the story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intellectual curiosity, teamwork, and the courage to face formidable challenges.
  • Perfect for: Budding strategists and problem-solvers, and fans of stories about secret missions and clever heroes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a budding bookworm in your house or are looking to foster a love of reading in your 9-year-old, here are some fun and effective exercises to help them develop good reading habits. These exercises are designed to be engaging and beneficial, ensuring that reading becomes a joy, not a chore!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set amount of time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and makes reading a regular part of daily life.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase as your child becomes more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that can make reading a more enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and enhances comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: Keep the group small and choose books that are engaging and appropriate for their age group.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes the reading experience a shared adventure.
  • Tips: Choose books with exciting dialogues and characters to make the reading more dynamic and engaging.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Incorporate technology by using an app designed to promote reading and literacy.
  • How it helps: Utilizes interactive elements to make reading fun and engaging.
  • Tips: Select apps that are age-appropriate and offer a variety of reading materials.

• Challenge Them With a Book List
  • What it is: Give your child a list of books to read over a certain period.
  • How it helps: Encourages a sense of accomplishment and introduces them to a variety of genres.
  • Tips: Include a mix of both challenging books and those that align with your child’s interests.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from books.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keeps track of reading progress and reflections.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to write in their journal after each reading session.

Incorporating these exercises into your 9-year-old's reading routine can really boost their enthusiasm and skills in reading. Each activity not only enhances their experience but also builds essential reading habits that can last a lifetime. So, pick a couple to start with, and watch your little reader flourish! Happy reading!